Sarasota Boat Accident Lawyer
Sunny weather and the temperate climate enable Floridians to enjoy fun on the water year-round, but boating is not without its risks. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that around 394 people are hurt every year in boating accidents, and another 64 victims lose their lives in fatal incidents. You do have options for recovering for the physical, emotional, and financial implications, but you may not know where to begin with the legal process.
Our team at Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, Attorneys and Counselors at Law is ready to take on the burdens, so you can focus on recovering after a boating accident. You may be entitled to obtain monetary damages for your devastating losses, but the legal process can be complex. We’re at your side during negotiations with an insurance company and in litigation, so please contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation with a Sarasota boat accident lawyer today.
Carelessness is Behind Most Florida Boat Accidents
Most personal injury cases are based upon the legal concept of negligence, and boat accidents are no exception. To recover compensation, you must show that another person failed to exercise reasonable caution while boating, and this breach was the cause of the accident. Some examples of negligence in a Florida boating accident include:
- Not following right-of-way rules;
- Failure to comply with federal and state laws regarding safe boating;
- Operating the boat without navigational lights;
- Careless or reckless operation;
- Defective boating equipment;
- Not having proper safety equipment;
- Operating a boat that isn’t seaworthy; and,
- Many others.
Parties in a Boating Accident
From the above examples of negligence, you can see that the operator of the boat will be considered the responsible party in many cases. You might seek compensation from the driver of another vessel if he or she caused the accident; however, you might have a claim against the person operating the watercraft upon which you were a passenger. Other potential parties may include a boat or equipment manufacturer, mechanic, rental outfit, or charter company.
For more boating accidents, you’ll be dealing with an insurance company. When you file a claim, it may be possible to negotiate a settlement to cover your losses. If the insurer won’t agree to a fair settlement amount, you may need to file a lawsuit in court.
Monetary Damages for Boat Accident Victims
Whether in settlement negotiations or in court, our attorneys at Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian will strive to get top compensation for:
- Costs for medical treatment;
- Your lost income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress; and,
- Other losses that affect your quality of life.
Speak to a Sarasota Boat Accident Lawyer for Free
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a boating incident, please contact Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, Attorneys and Counselors at Law to learn how we can help with your claim. You can call 800.227.2275 or check out our website to set up a no-cost consultation. Once we have a chance to review your circumstances, we can determine the best strategy for proceeding with your case.
